Ghana’s Black Queens endured a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses in an international friendly at the Pere Jego Stadium in Casablanca, with substitute Sakina Diki scoring a stoppage-time winner.

Diki’s 92nd-minute strike from a well-executed corner kick sealed victory for the Atlas Lionesses on Friday, boosting their confidence ahead of the upcoming 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in July.

For Ghana, the match marked the debut of newly appointed head coach Kim Lars Björkegren, who had only assembled his squad a few days earlier. The Black Queens adopted a cautious approach, showing defensive resilience against a dominant Moroccan side. Goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan Findib produced a series of outstanding saves to keep the game level for most of the contest.

While the result was disappointing, the match served as a vital test for Coach Björkegren to assess his squad as they continue their preparations for 2024 Women's AFCON.

What’s next for the Black Queens?

The Black Queens will face Moroccan club side AS FAR in another friendly on Monday before returning to Ghana to continue their build-up for the tournament.

Black Queens starting line-up:

Cynthia Konlan Findib, Portia Boakye (Captain), Nina Norshie, Anasthesia Achiaa, Susan Ama Duah, Jennifer Cudjoe, Grace Asantewaa, Jacqueline Owusu, Sherifatu Sumaila, Princess Marfo, Doris Boaduwaa.